Masunaga x Kenzo Sunglasses

Kenzo hearts Masunaga

Kenzo Takada has been wearing Masunaga frames for years, since he was first introduced to them by his optician in Paris. He’s admired the brand for its timeless designs and unparalleled craftsmanship. When Takada gets the opportunity to design a line of sunglasses for the generations old Japanese eyewear factory, the results are amazing.

Masunaga x Kenzo Sunglasses

The capsule consists of 6 models, each available in 3 colorways, for a total of 18 pieces. Motives stamped into the rims reference 1920’s watch design and include Kenzo’s family crest, the campanula flower.

The collection is made from titanium, which means lightweight and comfortable to wear. Certain pieces also feature Masunaga’s signature acetates. All frames in the capsule include polarized lenses with anti-reflective coating on the inside.

Titanium and 18k gold detail

In addition to the standard collection, Takada directed the skilled craftsmen at Masunaga to create a solid gold edition by welding titanium onto solid 18K gold segments at the temples, a near impossible task, which they seamlessly execute.

A contemporary of Yves Saint Laurent, Takada was one of the architects of the pret-a-porter movement in Paris in the 1970s. He was one of the first male students at the Bunka fashion school in Tokyo and upon graduation in 1964 moved to Paris to make his mark. By successfully selling his fashion sketches he was able to stay in Paris longer than he had initially hoped. In 1970 he opened his boutique known then as Jungle Jap. His designs were known for bright colors and patterns .

In 1993 Mr Takada sold his Kenzo brand to LVMH. Later when when he stepped away from the company for good, people wondered what one of the most important contemporary fashion designers in the world would do next. He has continued to paint and serves as the honorary president of the Asian Couture Federation. He has designed housewares, a yacht, a hotel, jewelry. And now this…

We are excited and honored to be one of the few retailers of this extremely limited collection in the world. Only 100 sets will be produced in the standard set, with the addition just 5 pieces of each model in the 18k gold.

Expected arrival date is late January. Available for pre-order now. Preview the collection here: